punctuating dialogue

Front

What are quotation marks used for in dialogue?

Back

Quotation marks are used to indicate the exact words spoken by a character.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a speaker tag?

Back

When a speaker tag is included, a comma is placed before the opening quotation mark. Example: He said, "Hello."

Front

What is a speaker tag?

Back

A speaker tag identifies who is speaking in a dialogue, such as 'he said' or 'she asked.'

Front

When should you capitalize the first word in dialogue?

Back

The first word in dialogue should be capitalized if it begins a new sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

Back

If the dialogue is a question, a question mark is placed inside the quotation marks. Example: "Are you coming?"

Front

What is the rule for punctuation when dialogue is interrupted?

Back

If dialogue is interrupted by a speaker tag, use a comma before the closing quotation mark and continue with a lowercase letter. Example: "I think," she said, "that we should go."

Front

What is the correct punctuation for this dialogue: Jason asked Can I have some chips?

Back

Jason asked, "Can I have some chips?"

Front

How do you indicate a quote within a quote?

Back

Use single quotation marks for the quote within the quote. Example: "He said, 'Hello.'"

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate this sentence: Don't forget to stop by after work, reminded Mrs. McGhee?

Back

The sentence is correct as is: "Don't forget to stop by after work," reminded Mrs. McGhee.

Front

When should you use a comma in dialogue?

Back

Use a comma to separate the speaker tag from the dialogue. Example: "I love ice cream," she said.